We are revering violence now? Delhi High Court questions use of Shoorveer song in Mirzapur movie

The Delhi High Court on Thursday objected to the use of the 'Shoorveer' song in the climax of the Mirzapur movie and asked the censor board to take a decision on the moviemaker's proposal to replace it with background music.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia remarked that the use of the song – stated to be a tribute to Maharana Pratap, and the scene did not appear to be in good taste.

"We have come to a situation where we are revering violence? Prima facie, this does not appear to be in good taste," the Court remarked.

The High Court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition filed by one Prashant Kumar Singh through advocates Shashank and Shashwat.

The plea argues that the track, originally composed as a tribute to historical icon Maharana Pratap, has been inappropriately used to glorify fictional gangsters. It adds that using a song dedicated to a national hero as a backdrop for cinematic criminals deeply hurts the cultural legacy of the country.

Counsel for the movie producer today informed the Court that he had watched the movie and the scene only depicted the protagonist fighting with goons.

"It has nothing to do with Maharana Pratap. There is no comparison," he said.

The Court said that it was refraining from making any other observations. It added that the petitioner could approach the Central government.

However, the petitioner said that since the movie will be released on OTT in four weeks, the PIL will become infructuous.

The Court was then informed that the movie producer himself has sent a report to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) proposing some modifications to the movie, including the replacement of the song with background music.

After considering the submission, the Court recorded CBFC's statement that a decision in this regard would be taken within a week.

The matter will be heard next on September 24.

Advocates Jay Kumar Bhardwaj, Tanya Singh and Pranjal Patel of N.K. Bhardwaj & Associates represented Excel Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. (Producers of Mirzapur).